UMNO supports PAS to introduce Hudud Law

KUALA LUMPUR- Kelantan Umno will lobby the federal government to allow the Islamist party Pas to introduce hudud law, which prescribes stoning, whipping and amputation as punishment for criminal offences, in what will certainly spark intense debate and rouse opposition from non-Muslims.

The Malaysian Insider understands the Kelantan state Umno leadership is planning to declare their support, which comes on the heels of Pas vice president Datuk Husam Musa's admission on Saturday that his party would introduce hudud if it wins federal power.

The support appears designed to place pressure on Pas, which has successfully gained support among more moderate Malaysians by appearing to place its stated aim of forming a theocratic Islamic state on the back-burner.

Pas has tried to project a more moderate and progressive image in recent years, but this has resulted in some restlessness from among its more conservative members, and a clear split in the party.

Last Saturday, Husam made his statement on hudud in an open debate in Kelantan with Umno Youth chief contender Khairy Jamaluddin.

Pas has tried unsuccessfully in the past to introduce hudud and other strict Islamic law.

But these attempts have all failed because of the federal government's refusal to sanction any vote on changes to the federal constitution.

Kelantan Umno's move now suggests they want Umno to call Pas's bluff.

If Pas is allowed to try to introduce hudud, it will certainly cause difficulties in the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) ranks.

The Chinese-dominated DAP could be forced to leave the PR alliance, while PKR would feel duty bound, as a Muslim-majority party, to back Pas.

Recently, more conservative groups in Pas have begun calling for more say in PR governments and for these administrations to inject Islamic values into the respective states.

These conservative groups have called for the sale of alcohol to Muslims in the urban state of Selangor to be banned, while in Penang, they are objecting to Muslim participation in a street dancing contest organised by the DAP-led government.

Umno's move could also help Barisan Nasional (BN) regain some of the non-Malay support, especially in the crucial upcoming Kuala Terengganu vote, as Chinese voters may be uneasy with all the talk of hudud. (TheMalaysianinsider)